Best Slow Cooker Carnitas
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
5 mins
-
Cook Time
4 hrs
-
Total Time
4 hrs 5 mins
-
Servings
12
-
Calories
249 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
Mexican
Best Slow Cooker Carnitas
Description
The Best Slow Cooker Carnitas recipe begins by coating the bottom of a slow cooker with bacon grease to add rich flavor and prevent sticking. Large chunks of pork butt roast are placed inside, surrounded by peeled and chopped onion, smashed garlic cloves, orange juice for acidity and sweetness, liquid smoke for smoky depth, and a blend of salt, cumin, ancho chile powder, and black pepper for robust seasoning. The slow cooker is set either on low for 8–10 hours or high for 4–6 hours, until the pork becomes tender enough to shred easily with forks. For a finishing touch, the carnitas can be spread out on a baking sheet and broiled just long enough to develop darker, crispy edges reminiscent of traditional carnitas texture, but with attention to avoid burning. The resulting shredded pork is juicy with a balance of smoky, citrusy, and spicy notes, flexible for various serving formats including tacos, rice, or as salad toppings.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds pork butt roast
- 2 tablespoons bacon grease or oil
- 1 large onion peeled and chopped
- 5-6 cloves garlic peeled and smashed
- 1 cup orange juice
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
- 1 tablespoon salt sea salt
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 2 tablespoons ancho chile powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper ground
Instructions
- Smear the bacon grease on the bottom of a large slow cooker. Cut the pork into large chunks and place inside the slow cooker. Then add ALL remaining ingredients around the pork.
- Turn the slow cooker on: Low for 8-10 hours, or High for 4-6 hours. Once the pork is fork-tender, use 2 forks to shred the meat into the juices.
- If you like your carnitas crispy on the edges (like it's served in restaurants) use a slotted spoon to scoop the meat out of the juices and spread in a thin layer on a baking sheet(s). Place on the upper oven rack and broil for 2-5 minutes, until darker crispy edges form. Do not take your eyes off the broiler, you can burn the carnitas quickly. Serve over rice, taco, or on top of salads!
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 249 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 6ounces | |
| Calories | 249kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 34g | 68% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 97mg | 32% |
| Sodium | 600mg | 25% |
| Potassium | 700mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 790IU | 16% |
| Vitamin C | 11.7mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 35mg | 4% |
| Iron | 2.2mg | 12% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
